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The Met Office with Public Health England (PHE) has issued a level-3 cold weather heard alert across northern and western England.

It states: “Some snow and ice possible, initially across higher ground, but to some lower levels further south on Thursday.

“This weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable patients and disrupt the delivery of services.

“Prolonged periods of cold weather can be dangerous, especially for the very young, very old or those with chronic diseases.”

Ladbrokes has this morning taken the axe to the weather odds offering 7-4 from 5-1 on the coldest December on record and 4-7 on a White Christmas.

Spokesman Alex Apati said: “It's looking more and more likely this month will break a couple of records, and punters will no doubt be wrapping up before heading out to the bookies to pick up their winnings.”